Environmental control system for modular housing units

ABSTRACT

Environment control systems and methods of controlling modular housing units. In one embodiment, the environmental control system includes a first modular housing unit and a server. An environmental sensor is configured to measure and report first data reflecting an environmental condition of the first modular housing unit. An occupant sensor is configured to measure and report second data reflecting a status condition of an occupant of the first modular housing unit. A utility device is configured to manipulate the environmental condition of the first modular housing unit and report third data reflecting an operating condition of the utility device. Responsive to a first condition in at least one selected from a group consisting of the first data, the second data, and the third data, the server is configured to send a first command to the utility device to adjust a second condition measurable by the environmental sensor.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/470,205, entitled “ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR MODULAR HOUSING UNITS,” filed Mar. 11, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Home automation is currently limited to a set of disparate Internet of Thing (IoT) devices connected via multiple apps or device bridges. These IoT devices are not centrally controlled, are not generally aware of each other, and require manual user intervention to install, automate, and use in the home. For example, a first application running on a mobile device turns a light in the home ON manually (or with a routine). A voice command to a device turns the light OFF. A second application running on the mobile device controls a device to unlock a door. An application notification is sent to the mobile device when a user rings a doorbell and the homeowner can talk to the visitor through the application.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides an environment control system. In one embodiment, the environmental control system includes a first module housing unit, one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit, one or more occupant sensors of the first modular housing unit, one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit, and a server. At least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit is configured to measure and report first data reflecting one or more environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit. At least one of the one or more occupant sensors of the first modular housing unit is configured to measure and report second data reflecting one or more status conditions of one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit. At least one of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit is configured to manipulate the one or more environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit and report third data reflecting one or more operating conditions of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit. The server is coupled via a control platform to the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit, the one or more occupant sensors of the first modular housing unit, and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit. Responsive to a first condition in at least one selected from a group consisting of the first data, the second data, and the third data, the server is configured to send a first command to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit to adjust a second condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, responsive to a pattern in at least one selected from the group consisting of the first data, the second data, and the third data, the server is further configured to construct a profile of one or more commands to be sent to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit to adjust a third condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit for the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the environmental control system further includes a second modular housing unit, one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit, one or more occupant sensors of the second modular housing unit, and one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit. At least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit is configured to measure and report fourth data reflecting one or more environmental conditions of the second modular housing unit. At least one of the one or more occupant sensors of the second modular housing unit is configured to measure and report fifth data reflecting one or more status conditions of one or more occupants of the second modular housing unit. At least one of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit is configured to manipulate the one or more environmental conditions of the second modular housing unit and report sixth data reflecting one or more operating conditions of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit. Responsive to detecting a presence of the one or more occupants in the second modular housing unit, the server is configured to determine a second command based in part on the profile and at least one selected from a second group consisting of the fourth data, the fifth data, and the sixth data. The server is also configured to send the second command to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit to adjust a fourth condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the server is further configured to send commands to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit without sending personally identifiable profile data to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the server is further configured to send commands to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit without receiving explicit commands from the one or more occupants of the second modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the environmental control system further includes a second modular housing unit, one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit, one or more occupant sensors of the second modular housing unit, and one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit. At least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit is configured to measure and report fourth data reflecting one or more environmental conditions of the second modular housing unit. At least one of the one or more occupant sensors of the second modular housing unit is configured to measure and report fifth data reflecting one or more status conditions of one or more occupants of the second modular housing unit. At least one of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit is configured to manipulate the one or more environmental conditions of the second modular housing unit and report sixth data reflecting one or more operating conditions of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit. Responsive to receiving the fourth data, the fifth data, and the sixth data, the server is configured to determine a second command based in part on at least one selected from the group consisting of the first data, the second data, and the third data. The server is also configured to send the second command to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit to adjust a third condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the first data includes user input reflecting one or more preferences of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit.

The disclosure also provides an environmental control system. In one embodiment, the environmental control system includes a first modular housing unit, one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit, one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit, a second modular housing unit, one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit, one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit, and a server. The server is coupled to the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit, the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit, the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit, and the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit. Responsive to a first condition in at least one selected from a group consisting of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit, the server is configured to adjust a second condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit. Responsive to a pattern in data from the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit, the server is configured to determine a profile of one or more commands to be sent to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit to adjust a third condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit when an occupant of the first modular housing unit is present in the second modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the server is further configured to send commands to the one more utility devices of the second modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit without transmitting profile data extraneous to the commands to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit and the one more utility devices of the first modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit is configured to detect a status condition of the occupant of the first modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the server is further configured to send commands to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit without receiving explicit commands from the occupant of the first modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit is configured to detect commands from the occupant of the first modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the data from the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit includes user input reflecting one or more preferences of the occupant of the first modular housing unit.

The disclosure further provides a method of controlling modular housing unit. In one embodiment, the method includes reporting first data reflecting one or more environmental conditions of a first modular housing unit via one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit. The method also includes reporting second data reflecting one or more operating conditions one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit. The method further includes, responsive to a first condition in the first data and the second data, sending, via a server, a first command to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit to adjust a second condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit. The method also includes, responsive to a pattern in the first data and the second data, determining, via the server, a profile of one or more commands to be sent to at least one of the one or more of the utility devices of the first modular housing unit to adjust a third condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit for one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit. The methods further include, responsive to reporting to the server of a presence of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit in a second modular housing unit, determining, via the server, a second command based in part on the profile. The method also includes sending the second command from the server to one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit to adjust a fourth condition measurable by one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the method further includes sending commands from the server to the one more utility devices of the second modular housing unit without receiving explicit commands from the one or more occupants.

In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a status condition of at least one of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit via the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a physiological state of at least one of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit via the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the method further includes determining an identity of at least one of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit via the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit.

In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting commands from at least one of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit via at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit.

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an environmental control system, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of a first modular housing unit included in the environmental control system of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a diagram of a second modular housing unit included in the environmental control system of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a first control platform included in the environmental control system of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a server included in the environmental control system of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of controlling environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit using the environmental control system of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the first modular housing unit, the first control platform, and the server of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of controlling environmental conditions of multiple modular housing units using profiles, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of controlling environmental conditions of multiple modular housing units without using profiles, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect.

It should also be noted that a plurality of different structural components may be utilized to implement the disclosure. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the disclosure. Alternative configurations are possible.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one example embodiment of an environmental control system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the environmental control system 100 includes a first modular housing unit 105, a second modular housing unit 110, a first control platform 115, a second control platform 120, and a server 125. The environmental control system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided as one example of such a system. The methods described herein may be used with environmental control systems having fewer, additional, or different components in different configurations than the environmental control system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, in some embodiments, the environmental control system 100 includes fewer or additional modular housing units and may include fewer or additional control platforms.

Communications between the various components illustrated in FIG. 1 occur over wired networks, wireless networks, or both. All or parts of these communication networks may be implemented using, for example, a cellular network, the Internet, a Bluetooth™ network, a wireless local area network (for example, Wi-Fi), a wireless accessory Personal Area Networks (PAN), cable, an Ethernet network, satellite, a machine-to-machine (M2M) autonomous network, and a public switched telephone network. In the embodiment illustrated, components of the first modular housing unit 105 communicate directly with the first control platform 115, and the first control platform 115 communicates directly with the server 125. In other embodiments, components of the first modular housing unit 105 communicate directly with the server 125.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of one example embodiment of the first modular housing unit 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the first modular housing unit 105 includes sensors 205, an occupant 210, and utility devices 215. In alternate embodiments, the first modular housing unit 105 may include fewer or additional components in configurations different from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2A.

The sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105 include environmental sensors that measure and report data reflecting environmental conditions in or near the first modular housing unit 105. Environmental conditions include, among other things, interior climate conditions (for example, temperature and humidity), exterior climate conditions (for example, temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation), interior noise levels (for example, noise generated by a speaker in the first modular housing unit 105 or noise generated by the occupant 210 of the first modular housing unit 105), exterior noise levels (for example, noise generated by nearby traffic or weather), interior light levels (for example, light generated by a lamp or display screen), exterior light levels (for example, sunlight and light generated by street lamps), safety conditions (for example, fire, smoke, and gas), power consumptions levels, or a combination thereof. Environmental sensors include, among other things, climate sensors (for example, temperature sensors and humidity sensors), noise sensors (for example, microphones), and light sensors (for example, ambient light sensors, infrared sensors, ultraviolet sensors, and image sensors, such as charged coupled devices (CCDs) and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors (CMOSs)).

In some embodiments, the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105 also include occupant sensors that measure and report data reflecting status conditions of the occupant 210. Status conditions of the occupant 210 include, among other things, identity, location, position (for example, sitting or standing), and physiological state. The physiological state of the occupant 210 includes physical attributes of the occupant 210, such as height, weight, heartbeat rate, blood pressure, age, gender, body type, and body temperature.

The utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 manipulate environmental conditions in the first modular housing unit 105. The plurality of utility devices 215 include, among other things, light sources (for example, ambient lights, task lights, and accent lights), access control devices (for example, door locks, window locks, and drawer locks), window control devices (for example, shade control and tint control), cooling devices (for example, air conditioning and fans), heating devices, display screens (for example, televisions and computer monitors), audio devices (for example, speakers), water dispensing devices (for example, sinks, showers, and bathtubs), cooking devices (for example, ovens, microwaves, stove tops, toasters, and coffee makers), cleaning devices (for example, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and autonomous cleaning robots), or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the utility devices 215 also control the configuration of the first modular housing unit 105. For example, the utility devices 215 can include motor controls which can extend and retract a bed from a compartment, raise and lower a television from a console unit, and adjust the position or orientation of a television mounted onto a wall.

In addition, the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 report data reflecting operating conditions of the utility devices 215. Operating conditions include power statuses of the utility devices 215. For example, the data can reflect whether a light source is turned ON or OFF. Operating conditions also include current operating settings of the utility devices 215. For example, the data can reflect whether a fan is oscillating or stationery, and a current speed setting (i.e., slow, medium, or fast). Operating conditions also include malfunctions of the utility devices 215. For example, the data can reflect that a light bulb is about to burn out or a leak in a kitchen sink. Operating conditions also include resource consumption information of the utility devices 215. For example, the data can reflect the energy and water usage of a washing machine.

FIG. 2B is a diagram of one example embodiment of the second modular housing unit 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the second modular housing unit 110 includes sensors 220 and utility devices 225. In alternate embodiments, the second modular housing unit 110 may include fewer or additional components in configurations different from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2B. The sensors 220 of the second modular housing unit 110 may include combinations of different types of sensors, including the various types of sensors described above with respect to the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105. The utility devices 225 of the second modular housing unit 110 may include combinations of different types of utility devices, including the various types of utility devices described above with respect to the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105. As used herein, modular housing units, such as first modular housing unit 105 and second modular housing unit 110 include any human-occupiable shelter configured with sensors (e.g., sensors 205 and utility devices 215 or sensors 220 and utility devices 225) as described herein. Examples of modular housing units may include homes, offices, apartments, hotels, or other spaces housing an occupant 210.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of one example embodiment of the first control platform 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the first control platform 115 includes an electronic processor 305 (for example, a microprocessor), memory 310, a transceiver 315, and a user interface 320. The electronic processor 305, the memory 310, as well as the other various modules are coupled by a bus 325, or are coupled directly, by one or more additional control or data buses, or a combination thereof. In alternate embodiments, the first control platform 115 may include fewer or additional components in configurations different from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3.

The memory 310 may include read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), other non-transitory computer-readable media, or a combination thereof. The electronic processor 305 is configured to retrieve program instructions and data from the memory 310 and execute, among other things, instructions to perform the methods described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the memory 310 is included in the electronic processor 305.

The transceiver 315 includes routines for transferring information between components within the first control platform 115 and other components of the first modular housing unit 105 or the server 125. For example, the transceiver 315 receives data from the sensors 205 and utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105, and transmits the data to the server 125. The transceiver 315 transmits signals to and receives signals from the sensors 205, the utility devices 215, the server 125, and the other components included in the environmental control system 100, such as through a communication network or directly. In some embodiments, signals include, for example, data, data packets, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the transceiver 315 includes a separate transmitter and receiver.

The user interface 320 displays visual output generated by software applications executed by the electronic processor 305. Visual output includes, for example, graphical indicators, lights, colors, text, images, internet webpages, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), combinations of the foregoing, and the like. The user interface 320 includes a suitable display mechanism for displaying the visual output (for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, an organic LED (OLED) screen, and the like). In some embodiments, the user interface 320 includes a touch sensitive interface (for example, a touch-screen display). The touch-screen display receives user input using detected physical contact (for example, detected capacitance or resistance). Based on the user input, the touch-screen display outputs signals to the electronic processor 305 which indicate positions on the touch-screen display currently being selected by physical contact. Alternatively or in addition, the user interface 320 receives user input from a plurality of input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackpad, and the like. In some embodiments, the user interface 320 is separate from the first control platform 115. For example, the user interface 320 can include a portable communication device carriable by the occupant 210 (i.e., a mobile phone).

In some embodiments, the second control platform 120 includes components or combinations of different components, including all or some of the various components described above with respect to the first control platform 115. In some embodiments, the sensors 220 and utility devices 225 of the second modular housing unit 110 are coupled to the server 125 via the first control platform 115, instead of the second control platform 120. In other words, the first control platform 115 can be used to control the first modular housing unit 105 and the second modular housing unit 110 when the two modular housing units are located near each other (for example, the first modular housing unit 105 and the second modular housing unit 110 are included in the same rack).

FIG. 4 is a diagram of one example embodiment of the server 125. In the embodiment illustrated, the server 125 includes a server electronic processor 405, server memory 410, a server transceiver 415, and a server user interface 420. The server electronic processor 405, the server memory 410, as well as the other various modules are coupled by a bus 425, or are coupled directly, by one or more additional control or data buses, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the server 125 may include fewer or additional components in configurations different from that illustrated in FIG. 4.

The server memory 410 stores program instructions and data. The server memory 410 may include combinations of different types of memory, including the various types of memory described above with respect to the memory 310 included in the first control platform 115. The server electronic processor 405 retrieves program instructions from the server memory 410 and executes the instructions to perform a set of functions including all or part of the methods described herein. The server transceiver 415 transmits signals to and receives signals from the first control platform 115, the second control platform 120, and the other components included in the environmental control system 100, such as through a communication network or directly. In some embodiments, signals include, for example, data, data packets, or any combination thereof. The server user interface 420 includes any combination of digital and analog input devices required to achieve a desired level of control for the server 125. For example, the server user interface 420 can include a computer having a display and input devices, a display, a keyboard, a mouse, speakers, and the like.

In some embodiments, the term “server” is defined as the combination of software and hardware included in one or more electrical computing devices that runs application service processes. For example, the server 125 can be defined as the combination of software and hardware included in one or more electrical computing devices that runs application processes of the methods described herein. In addition, the functionality described herein as being performed by a single server may be distributed among a plurality of servers. For example, the functionality performed by the server 125 described herein (or a portion thereof) may be distributed among a plurality of servers.

The environmental control system 100 replicates the preferred environment of the occupant 210 (for example, via automation). In some embodiments, the environmental control system 100 makes physical changes (for example, moves furniture, modifies the floor plan, raises and lowers hidden objects, modifies pictures displayed in embedded picture frames, etc.) and virtual changes (for example, modify augmented or virtual reality presented to the occupant 210) to the first modular housing unit 105 and the second modular housing unit 110. The environmental control system 100 computes, stores, and recreates behaviors of the occupant 210 by collecting and analyzing event data in a physical or virtual context. The environmental control system 100 automatically manipulates the environment of modular housing units based upon a current or intended location of the occupant 210 (for example, geo-coordinates) and external factors (for example, external weather factors, external light levels and external sound).

In addition, the environmental control system 100 detects conditions within the first modular housing unit 105 based on data from the sensors 205 and sends command to the utility devices 215 to adjust the conditions. For example, responsive to detecting a leak in the kitchen sink of the first modular housing unit 105, the environmental control system 100 shuts of the water supply to the first modular housing unit 105 and schedules a service appointment. Continuing with this example, upon detecting the arrival of a service person to the first modular housing unit 105, the environmental control system 100 provides the service person with a one-time code to unlock an entrance door of the first modular housing unit 105 and provides an audio warning that the service person is being recorded. As a further example, responsive to detecting that a light bulb in the first modular housing unit 105 is about to burn out, the environmental control system 100 orders a replacement light bulb via an internet retailer.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method 500 for controlling the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105. For ease of description, the method 500 is described in terms of the utility devices 215 and the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105. Any functionality described in method 500 as being performed by the server 125 can be performed by other components of the environmental control system 100 (for example, by the first control platform 115).

In the example illustrated, the method 500 includes the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105 reporting environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105 (at block 505). For example, the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105 include environmental sensors that report data reflecting environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105. As discussed above, environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105 can include, among other things, temperature, light, and noise.

At block 510, the sensors 205 report data reflecting status conditions of the occupant 210 of the first modular housing unit 105. For example, the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105 includes occupant sensors that report data reflecting status conditions of the occupant 210 of the first modular housing unit 105. As discussed above, status conditions of the occupant 210 of the first modular housing unit 105 can include, among other things, identity, location, and position.

At block 515, the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 report data reflecting operating conditions of the utility devices 215. As discussed above, operating conditions of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 can include, among other things, power statuses, current operating settings, malfunctions, and resource usage information. In some embodiments, the sensors 205 also measure and report data reflecting operating conditions of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105.

At block 520, a condition (for example, a first condition) of the first modular housing unit 105 is detected based in part on data reflecting environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105, data reflecting status conditions of the occupant 210 of the first modular housing unit 105, data reflecting operating conditions of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105, or a combination thereof. For example, the server electronic processor 405 detects that the occupant 210 has just entered the first modular housing unit 105.

Responsive to detecting the first condition, the server electronic processor 405 sends one or more commands to one or more of the utility devices 215 to adjust a condition (for example, a second condition) measureable by at least one of the sensors 205 (at block 525). For example, upon detecting that the occupant 210 has entered the first modular housing unit 105, the server electronic processor 405 sends commands which cause lighting devices to illuminate to predetermined illumination levels, a climate control system to set the temperature to a predetermined level, and an audio system to play music.

In some embodiments, the second condition is the same as (or is directly related to) the first condition. For example, responsive to the sensors 205 detecting that the temperature in the first modular housing unit 105 has dropped below a predetermined preferred minimum temperature level, the server electronic processor 405 sends commands to a climate control system to increase the temperature in the first modular housing unit 105. Alternatively or in addition, the second condition is different than the first condition. For example, responsive to detecting that the occupant 210 of the first modular housing unit 105 has woken up in the morning, the server electronic processor 405 sends commands which cause a coffee maker to start brewing coffee.

FIG. 6 is an example functional block diagram of the first modular housing unit 105, the first control platform 115, and the server 125. In some embodiments, the server 125 constructs a profile 605 for the occupant 210. The profile 605 includes, among other things, identified patterns of behavior of the occupant 210, preferences of the occupant 210, physical attributes of the occupant 210 (for example, age, gender, fingerprints, iris patterns, height, weight, and body type), or a combination thereof. The environmental control system 100 uses the profile 605 to replicate a preferred environment of the occupant 210 in their physical or virtual surroundings by utilizing the sensors 205 and utility devices 215 that are currently available for control. For example, the profile 605 can indicate that the occupant 210 sets a specific lighting pattern in the afternoon. As a further example, the profile 605 can indicate a preferred layout of the first modular housing unit 105. The profile 605 can be created explicitly by the occupant 210 or can be implicitly created for the occupant 210 by the server 125 when the occupant 210 enters (or is expected to enter) the first modular housing unit 105 (or another modular housing unit).

In some embodiments, the server 125 tracks and analyzes actions taken by (or on behalf of) the occupant 210 to establish patterns of behavior and preferences that can be replayed via automation. As a first example, based on data received from the sensors 205 and utility devices 215, the server electronic processor 405 detects that the occupant 210 activates a coffee maker within five minutes of waking up every morning. Thus, responsive to detecting this pattern of behavior, the server electronic processor 405 adds commands to the profile 605 of the occupant 210 which cause the coffee maker to start brewing coffee when the sensors 205 detect that the occupant 210 has woken up in the morning.

As a second example, based on data received from the sensors 205 and utility devices 215, the server electronic processor 405 detects that the every Thursday night at 8:00 PM the occupant 210 watches a specific television program. Thus, when the sensors 205 detect that the occupant 210 is located within the first modular housing unit 105 at 7:55 PM on a Thursday night, the server electronic processor 405 sends commands which cause the lights of the first modular housing unit 105 to dim and cause the television to extend out from a console, turn ON, and change the channel to the correct channel for the television show.

Returning to FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the server 125 includes the profile 605, housing data 610, access control data 615, a service router 620, and an anonymous scoped profile (ASP) generator 625.

The housing data 610 includes information about the type, location, and capabilities of each of the utility devices 215 in different modular housing units. For example, the housing data 610 can indicate the location, orientation, light output, color temperature, and wattage of a light source in the first modular housing unit 105. The housing data 610 also includes information about the type, location, and capabilities of each of the sensors 205 in different modular housing units. For example, the housing data 610 can indicate the position, orientation, sensitivity, effective range, and wattage of a microphone in the first modular housing unit 105.

In some embodiments, the environmental control system 100 limits the interactions of the occupant 210 and the profile 605 with the utility devices 215 of different modular housing units. When the profile 605 is granted access to interact with an operational context (for example, the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105), the grant is stored in the access control data 615. The access control data 615 includes a list of permissions for the first modular housing unit 105 and other modular housing units. The access control data 615 indicates which occupants are authorized to enter each modular housing unit. For example, the access control data 615 can indicates that an owner of the first modular housing unit 105 can enter the first modular housing unit 105 at any time, while a service person can only access the first modular housing unit 105 during the hours of a scheduled service appointment. The access control data 615 also indicates which utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 each occupant is allowed to interact with. For example, the access control data 615 can indicates that an owner of the first modular housing unit 105 can control the operation of all of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105, while a guest of the first modular housing unit 105 can only control the operation of a subset of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105.

The service router 620 receives and routes data received from the first control platform 115. As will be explained in more detail below, the received data includes, among other things, data from the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105 and data from the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105. The service router 620 stores the received data in at least one of the profile 605, the housing data 610, and the access control data 615.

In some embodiments, the profile 605 of the occupant 210 is non-compact. A virtual data element can be said be to compact when it can be marshaled into a transmittable format. In other words, the entirety of the profile 605 is stored solely inside of the server 125 (for example, in the server memory 410). When the occupant 210 is determined to be in or is expected to be in the first modular housing unit 105, a uniquely identified compact entity is determined by the ASP generator 625 and is transmitted to the first control platform 115. The transmitted entity contains the identified behaviors and preferences of the profile 605 that can be affected by the permissions granted to the occupant 210. This entity is the Anonymous Scoped Profile (ASP 630) and can be unique to both the first modular housing unit 105 and the profile 605 of the occupant 210. In this manner, personally identifiable information of the occupant 210 is not transmitted outside of the server 125.

In some embodiments, the ASP generator 625 determines the portions of the profile 605 to include in the ASP 630 based in part on the housing data 610. For example, the ASP generator 625 determines the available utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 based on the housing data 610 and includes portions of a profile of the occupant 210 in the ASP 630 that relate to the available utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105. Alternatively or in addition, the ASP generator 625 determines the portions of the profile 605 to include in the ASP 630 based in part on the access control data 615. For example, the ASP generator 625 determines the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 that the occupant 210 is authorized to access based on the access control data 615 and includes portions of the profile 605 of the occupant 210 in the ASP 630 that relate to the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 which the occupant 210 is authorized to access.

When the occupant 210 of the profile 605 is determined to be present in the first modular housing unit 105, relevant telemetry is stored as part of the profile 605. However, in some embodiments, telemetry that the occupant 210 does not have explicit permission to access is not accessible to them. In this manner, the ASP 630 only contains the preferences and permissions applicable to the first modular housing unit 105 and is not locally attributable to the occupant 210.

The server electronic processor 405, the server transceiver 415, and other components shown in FIG. 4 may be configured to implement the functions described above with respect to the server 125 in FIG. 6. The service router 620 and the ASP generator 625 may be implemented in software or instructions stored in server memory 410 and executed by the server electronic processor 405.

In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 6, the first control platform 115 includes the user interface 320, a presence detector 635, a telemetry collector 640, a device controller 645, and an automation coordinator 650.

The presence detector 635 detects the presence of users in (or approaching) modular housing units. For example, the presence detector 635 detects when the occupant 210 is located in the first modular housing unit 105. In some embodiments, the presence detector 635 detects the presence of users in modular housing units based on data received from sensors 205 in the modular housing units. For example, the presence detector 635 detects the presence of the occupant 210 in the first modular housing unit 105 when the data from the sensors 205 indicates the presence of movement in the first modular housing unit 105.

Responsive to detecting the presence of a user in a modular housing unit, the presence detector 635 sends a request to the server 125 for an ASP of the detected user. For example, responsive to detecting the presence of the occupant 210 in the first modular housing unit 105, the presence detector 635 sends a request to the server 125 for the ASP 630 of the occupant 210.

In some embodiments, the presence detector 635 determines the identities of users detected in modular housing units. In some embodiments, the presence detector 635 determines the identify of users detected in modular housing units by comparing physical attributes of the users (measured by the sensors 205) to known physical attributes of the users. For example, the presence detector 635 determines the identity of the occupant 210 in the first modular housing unit 105 by comparing a height and weight of the occupant 210 (measured by the sensors 205) to known values of height and weight for the occupant 210. Alternatively or in addition, the presence detector 635 identifies users in modular housing units via portable communication devices carriable by the users. For example, the presence detector 635 identifies the occupant 210 in the first modular housing unit 105 by detecting that the occupant 210 is carrying a mobile phone that is associated with the occupant 210.

The telemetry collector 640 receives data from the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105, data from the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105, data from the device controller 645, or a combination thereof. The data from the sensors 205 of the modular housing unit include data reflecting environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105, data reflecting status conditions of the occupant 210 of the first modular housing unit 105, or both. The data from the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 include data reflecting operating condition of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105. The data from the device controller 645 include data representing the control signals that the device controller 645 sends to the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105. For example, the data from the device controller 645 can indicate when the device controller 645 sends a control signal to a door lock which causes the door lock to change from a locked state to an unlocked state. The telemetry collector 640 sends all or a portion of the received data to the server 125. In some embodiments, the telemetry collector 640 also sends all or a portion of the received data to the automation coordinator 650.

The device controller 645 controls operation of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 by sending control signals to the utility devices 215. For example, the device controller 645 sends a signal to a light source in the first modular housing unit 105 that causes the light source to turn ON. The device controller 645 determines how to control the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 based in part on user input received, for example, via the user interface 320. For example, the device controller 645 turns on a speaker in the first modular housing unit 105 responsive to receiving a command from the occupant 210 via the user interface 320. In some embodiments, the device controller 645 detects commands from the occupant 210 of the first modular housing unit 105 via the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105. For example, the device controller 645 detects verbal commands from the occupant 210 via one or more microphones in the first modular housing unit 105.

The device controller 645 also determines how to control the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 based in part on commands received from the automation coordinator 650. The automation coordinator 650 determines commands to send to the device controller 645 to adjust environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105 based in part on the ASP 630 and the data received from the telemetry collector 640. For example, when the data from the telemetry collector 640 indicates that the occupant 210 is about start exercising in the first modular housing unit 105, the automation coordinator 650 sends commands to the device controller 645 requesting adjustments to the temperature and lighting in the first modular housing unit 105 and to start playing music to accommodate.

When multiple occupants are located in the first modular housing unit 105, the automation coordinator 650 determines commands to send to the device controller 645 based on multiple ASPs (i.e., one ASP for each occupant of the first modular housing unit 105). Multiple ASP can lead to conflicting preferences. For example, a first ASP may indicate a preferred temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a second ASP may indicate a preferred temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit. The automation coordinator 650 handles conflicting preferences in multiple ASPs based upon a hierarchy of priority. For example, the automation coordinator 650 may determines that the temperature of the first modular housing unit 105 should be set to the preferred temperature defined in the ASP of an owner of the first modular housing unit 105, instead of the preferred temperature defined in the ASP of a guest of the first modular housing unit 105.

The electronic processor 305, the transceiver 315, and other components shown in FIG. 3 may be configured to implement the functions described above with respect to the first control platform 115 in FIG. 6. The presence detector 635, the telemetry collector 640, the device controller 645, and the automation coordinator 650 may be implemented in software or instructions stored in memory 310 and executed by the electronic processor 305.

In addition to enabling automated events and conditions within the first modular housing unit 105, the profile 605 of the occupant 210 can be applied to other modular housing units (for example, the second modular housing unit 110). Thus, the occupant 210 can move from the first modular housing unit 105 to the second modular housing unit 110 and the utility devices 225 of the second modular housing unit 110 will operate based on the presence of the occupant 210, without requiring explicit interaction from the occupant 210.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method 700 for controlling the utility devices 215 in the first modular housing unit 105. In the example illustrated, the method 700 includes the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105 reporting environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105 (at block 705). For example, the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105 include environmental sensors that report data reflecting environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105. As discussed above, environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105 can include temperature, light, and noise.

At block 710, the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 report data reflecting operating conditions of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105. As discussed above, operating conditions of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 can include power status (for example, ON or OFF), current operating settings, and malfunctions.

Responsive to a condition (for example, a first condition) of the first modular housing unit 105, the server electronic processor 405 sends one or more commands to one or more of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 to adjust a condition (for example, a second condition) measureable by at least one of the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105 (at block 715). In some embodiments, the first condition is in the data reflecting environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105, the data reflecting operating conditions of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105, or both.

Responsive to a pattern in the environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit 105 and the operating conditions of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105, the server electronic processor 405 determines a profile 605 for the occupant 210 (at block 720). The profile 605 includes one or more commands to be sent to at least one of the utility devices 215 of the first modular housing unit 105 to adjust a condition (for example, a third condition) measurable by at least one of the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105.

At block 725, the occupant 210 is detected in the second modular housing unit 110. For example, the sensors 220 of the second modular housing unit 110 detect and report the presence of the occupant 210 in the second modular housing unit 110 to the server 125. In some embodiments, the sensors 220 of the second modular housing unit 110 detect the presence of the occupant 210 in the second modular housing unit 110 by detecting the presence of a mobile communication device within the second modular housing unit 110 (for example, a mobile phone of the occupant 210). Alternatively or in addition, the sensors 220 of the second modular housing unit 110 measure and analyze physical attributes of the occupant 210 to detect the presence of the occupant 210 in the second modular housing unit 110.

Responsive to detecting the presence of the occupant 210 in the second modular housing unit 110, the server electronic processor 405 determines one or more commands to adjust a condition (for example, a third condition) of the second modular housing unit 110 (at block 730). In some embodiments, the server electronic processor 405 determines the commands based in part on the profile 605 of the occupant 210. For example, the server electronic processor 405 determines commands that will cause the utility devices 225 of the second modular housing unit 110 to replicate preferred conditions of the occupant 210 that were measured by the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105. The sensors 220 and utility devices 225 of the second modular housing unit 110 may not be the same as the first modular housing unit 105. Thus, in some embodiments, the server electronic processor 405 determines commands based in part on the sensors 220 and utility devices 225 available in the second modular housing unit 110.

At block 735, the server electronic processor 405 sends the determined commands to the utility devices 225 of the second modular housing unit 110 to adjust a condition (for example, a further condition) measureable by the sensors 220 of the second modular housing unit 110. For example, the server electronic processor 405 sends that determined commands to the second control platform 120.

In some embodiments, the server 125 adjusts conditions of one modular housing unit based on the conditions of another modular housing unit without profiles. FIG. 8 illustrates an example method 800 for controlling the utility devices 225 of the second modular housing unit 110 based in part on conditions of the first modular housing unit 105. As an example, the method 800 is described in terms of two modular housing units that are located near each other. This example should not be considered limiting. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the concepts embodied in the example described may be applied to modular housing units that are located far apart from each other.

In the example illustrated, the method 800 includes reporting conditions of the first modular housing unit 105 (at block 805). For example, the sensors 205 of the first modular housing unit 105 report that a loud noise is being generating outside of the first modular housing unit 105, the temperature inside the first modular housing unit 105 is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and the occupant 210 of the first modular housing unit 105 is soundly sleeping.

At block 810, conditions of the second modular housing unit 110 are reported. For example, the sensors 220 of the second modular housing unit 110 report that a loud noise is being generating outside of the second modular housing unit 110, the temperature inside the second modular housing unit 110 is 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and an occupant of the second modular housing unit 110 is moving in their sleep.

Responsive to the conditions of the second modular housing unit 110, the server electronic processor 405 determines commands based in part on the conditions of the first modular housing unit 105 (at block 815). For example, the server electronic processor 405 identifies that the outside noise is not disturbing the sleep of the occupant 210 of the first modular housing unit 105 and that the temperature inside the first modular housing unit 105 is lower than the temperature inside the second modular housing unit 110. Thus, the server electronic processor 405 determines that the temperature inside the second modular housing unit 110 should be lowered in order to assist the occupant's ability to sleep in the second modular housing unit 110 while the noise is being generated outside of the second modular housing unit 110.

At block 820, the server electronic processor 405 sends the determined commands to the utility devices 225 of the second modular housing unit 110 to adjust a condition measurable by at least one of the sensors 220 of the second modular housing unit 110. For example, the server electronic processor 405 sends a command via the second control platform 120 to a climate control system of the second modular housing unit 110 which causes the climate control system to lower the temperature inside the second modular housing unit 110 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

This disclosure is not limited in its application to the examples provided, the embodiments discussed, or to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An environmental control system comprising: a first modular housing unit; one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit, wherein at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit is configured to measure and report first data reflecting one or more environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit; one or more occupant sensors of the first modular housing unit, wherein at least one of the one or more occupant sensors of the first modular housing unit is configured to measure and report second data reflecting one or more status conditions of one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit; one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit, wherein at least one of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit is configured to manipulate the one or more environmental conditions of the first modular housing unit and report third data reflecting one or more operating conditions of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit; and a server coupled via a control platform to the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit, the one or more occupant sensors of the first modular housing unit, and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit, wherein responsive to a first condition in at least one selected from a group consisting of the first data, the second data, and the third data, the server is configured to send a first command to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit to adjust a second condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit.
 2. The environmental control system of claim 1, wherein responsive to a pattern in at least one selected from the group consisting of the first data, the second data, and the third data, the server is further configured to determine a profile of one or more commands to be sent to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit to adjust a third condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit for the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit.
 3. The environmental control system of claim 2, further comprising a second modular housing unit; one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit, wherein at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit is configured to measure and report fourth data reflecting environmental conditions of the second modular housing unit; one or more occupant sensors of the second modular housing unit, wherein at least one of the one or more occupant sensors of the second modular housing unit is configured to measure and report fifth data reflecting one or more status conditions of one or more occupants of the second modular housing unit; and one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit, wherein at least one of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit is configured to manipulate the one or more environmental conditions of the second modular housing unit and report sixth data reflecting one or more operating conditions of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit; wherein responsive to detecting a presence of the one or more occupants in the second modular housing unit, the server is configured to determine a second command based in part on the profile and at least one selected from a second group consisting of the fourth data, the fifth data, and the sixth data, and send the second command to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit to adjust a fourth condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit.
 4. The environmental control system of claim 3, wherein the server is further configured to send commands to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit without sending personally identifiable profile data to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit.
 5. The environmental control system of claim 3, wherein the server is further configured to send commands to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit without receiving explicit commands from the one or more occupants of the second modular housing unit.
 6. The environmental control system of claim 1, further comprising a second modular housing unit; one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit, wherein at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit is configured to measure and report fourth data reflecting environmental conditions of the second modular housing unit; one or more occupant sensors of the second modular housing unit, wherein at least one of the one or more occupant sensors of the second modular housing unit is configured to measure and report fifth data reflecting one or more status conditions of one or more occupants of the second modular housing unit; and one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit, wherein at least one of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit is configured to manipulate the one or more environmental conditions of the second modular housing unit and report sixth data reflecting one or more operating conditions of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit, wherein responsive to receiving the fourth data, the fifth data, and the sixth data, the server is configured to determine a second command based in part on at least one selected from the group consisting of the first data, the second data, and the third data, and send the second command to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit to adjust a third condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit.
 7. The environmental control system of claim 1, wherein the first data includes user input reflecting one or more preferences of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit.
 8. An environmental control system comprising: a first modular housing unit; one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit; one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit; a second modular housing unit; one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit; one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit; and a server coupled to the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit, the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit, the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit, and the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit, wherein the server is configured to responsive to a first condition in at least one selected from a group consisting of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit, adjust a second condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit, and responsive to a pattern in data from the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit, determine a profile of one or more commands to be sent to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit to adjust a third condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit when an occupant of the first modular housing unit is present in the second modular housing unit.
 9. The environmental control system of claim 8, wherein the server is further configured to send commands to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit without transmitting profile data extraneous to the commands to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit.
 10. The environmental control system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit is configured to detect a status condition of the occupant of the first modular housing unit.
 11. The environmental control system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit is configured to detect an identity of the occupant of the first modular housing unit.
 12. The environmental control system of claim 8, wherein the server is further configured to send commands to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit and the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit without receiving explicit commands from the occupant of the first modular housing unit.
 13. The environmental control system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit is configured to detect commands from the occupant of the first modular housing unit.
 14. The environmental control system of claim 8, wherein the data from the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit includes user input reflecting one or more preferences of the occupant of the first modular housing unit.
 15. A method of controlling modular housing units, the method comprising: reporting first data reflecting one or more environmental conditions of a first modular housing unit via one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit; reporting second data reflecting one or more operating conditions of one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit; responsive to a first condition in the first data and the second data, sending, via a server, a first command to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit to adjust a second condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit; responsive to a pattern in the first data and the second data, determining, via the server, a profile of one or more commands to be sent to at least one of the one or more utility devices of the first modular housing unit to adjust a third condition measurable by at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit for one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit; and responsive to reporting to the server of a presence of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit in a second modular housing unit, determining, via the server, a second command based in part on the profile, and sending the second command from the server to one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit to adjust a fourth condition measurable by one or more environmental sensors of the second modular housing unit.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising sending commands from the server to the one or more utility devices of the second modular housing unit without receiving explicit commands from the one or more occupants.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising determining a status condition of at least one of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit via the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising determining a physiological state of at least one or the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit via the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising determining an identity of at least one of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit via the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit.
 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising detecting commands from at least one of the one or more occupants of the first modular housing unit via at least one of the one or more environmental sensors of the first modular housing unit. 